— Tomas Nosek was likely to play in the NHL next season — the Red Wings had Nosek penciled as their fourth-line center.
Nosek still might be NHL bound, just not with the Red Wings.
The Red Wings lost Nosek in the expansion draft Wednesday to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Nosek, 24, was impressive in a 11-game late-season call-up with the Red Wings, and was one of Grand Rapids’ best players as the Griffins won the Calder Cup.
Nosek has size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds), is viewed as a fine defensive forward and penalty killer, but has improved his foot speed and quickness, and showed a willingness to drive to the net, which could expand his offensive potential.